per — meaning in English: per

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use 'per' in both spoken and written contexts to denote rates or distributions, such as in financial discussions (e.g., 'The ticket costs $10 per person') or in scientific contexts (e.g., 'The car travels 60 miles per hour'). It is also frequently encountered in everyday conversations regarding performance or achievement ('She earned a score of 90 per cent').

Synonyms & nuances

'Per' is often used interchangeably with 'for each' or 'each', but it carries a more formal tone and is preferred in technical contexts. For instance, you might say 'five dollars per item' in a business report, while 'five dollars for each item' could feel more conversational and informal.

Culture

'Per' originates from the Latin word 'per', meaning 'through' or 'by means of'. It has evolved in English to express ratios and rates, reflecting a culture that values measurement and precision. Interestingly, its use in phrases like 'per capita' exemplifies how language can adapt to encapsulate complex socio-economic concepts succinctly.

FAQ

Q.What does 'per' mean in English?

'Per' is a preposition that indicates a rate, ratio, or division, commonly used to express 'for each' or 'by means of'. For example, 'per hour' means 'for each hour'.

Q.How do you use 'per' in a sentence?

'Per' can be used to describe rates or quantities, such as 'The recipe requires three cups of flour per batch' or 'Employees are paid $20 per hour'.

Q.Is there a difference between 'per' and 'for'?

'Per' is more formal and typically used in contexts involving measurement or rates, while 'for' is more general and can denote purpose or duration. For instance, 'per week' implies a specific rate, whereas 'for a week' indicates a time frame.

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